Imagine the incredible brain trust or think tank you get when combining the resources of the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health and Human Services. This happened recently when a research paper was published that summarized all research related to the association between school-based physical activity, including physical education, and academic performance.
In fact, the team reviewed 406 articles from nine databases against a set of indicators including cognitive skills and attitudes, academic behaviors, academic achievement, physical activity, physical education, recess, classroom-based physical activity, and extracurricular physical activity. In the end, 50 unique studies from 43 articles deemed appropriate to analyze and draw conclusions.
Interestingly, across all 50 studies there were a total of 251 associations between physical activity and academic performance! Of all the associations examined, 50.5% were positive (supporting the benefits of physical activity on academic performance), 48% were not significant (in behavior, attitude, or academic change), and only 1.5% were negative.
In essence, 14 studies found one or more positive associations between school-based physical education and indicators of academic performance while three found no significant associations. Eight studies found one or more positive associations between recces and indicators of cognitive skills, attitudes, and academic behavior. None of the studies found negative associations with recess. Eight out of nine studies found positive associations between classroom-based physical activity and cognitive skills, attitudes, and academic behavior. The focus was on 5 - 20 minute activity breaks in academic classes (excluding PE).
All 19 studies examining relationships between participation in extracurricular physical activities (interscholastic or other sports) and academic performance found one or more positive associations between such activities and academic performance.
The implication of this report for policy is far reaching. There is substantial evidence that physical activity improve academic performance including grades and standardized test scores. It underscores that physical activity have an impact on cognitive skills and attitudes as well as academic behavior - all of which are important components of improved academic performance. Finally, increasing or maintaining time dedicated to physical education may help, and does not appear to adversely impact, academic performance.
We rest our case.
Michael Cordier
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Ohio Gets It Right!
The legislation in Ohio just signed the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children into law and will take affect in the new school year. They are obviously serious about curbing obesity in this state where it is estimated that 19% of all kids are overweight. The legislation calls for:
Michael Cordier
- Healthy interventions from Kindergarten through 12th grades;
- Schools to use Body Mass Index (BMI) to estimate a healthy body weight (but parents can opt out);
- PE teachers hired after 2012 must be certified and licensed;
- All schools are required to offer a pilot program with 30 minutes of rigorous physical activity each day - aside from recess;
- Schools are forced to provide healthier options in cafeterias and vending machines.
Michael Cordier
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The Crux of the Matter
Cleveland.com reported that lawmakers in the Ohio State House voted 77 - 21 to approve legislation which pushes out candy machines and soda pop in favor of low-fat milk, fruit juices, water, and healthier food in Ohio's school lunch rooms by 2014. The bill furthermore requires Ohio schools to measure student's body mass index in Kindergarten, third, fifth, and ninth grades and calls for 30 minutes of physical activity a day. So far, so good.
Then the infighting started. Republicans say that government is interfering too much and taking responsibility away from parents. They admit that one third of students in Ohio is obese. It is therefore a difficult argument to make because one third of parents are contributing to the obesity problem. The Democrats argues that they know physical activity and nutrition will improve the health of youth but there are possible exceptions. Immediately the door opens for both parties to 'pull the teeth' from good legislation for their own political purposes.
The end result is that school districts can seek a waiver to drop the body mass index measurement. Who is going to add more work on an overburdened system? It is fair to assume that this initiative has already failed. Furthermore, school districts successfully lobbied to turn the 30 minutes of daily exercise into a pilot project for districts who want to participate. Guess what's going to happen amongst scheduling nightmares? It's not going to happen.
So the winners are the politicians who tackled a 'tough subject' and passed some legislation and the school districts which can opt out in the primary areas of assessment and activity.
The biggest losers? The students - again!
Michael Cordier
Then the infighting started. Republicans say that government is interfering too much and taking responsibility away from parents. They admit that one third of students in Ohio is obese. It is therefore a difficult argument to make because one third of parents are contributing to the obesity problem. The Democrats argues that they know physical activity and nutrition will improve the health of youth but there are possible exceptions. Immediately the door opens for both parties to 'pull the teeth' from good legislation for their own political purposes.
The end result is that school districts can seek a waiver to drop the body mass index measurement. Who is going to add more work on an overburdened system? It is fair to assume that this initiative has already failed. Furthermore, school districts successfully lobbied to turn the 30 minutes of daily exercise into a pilot project for districts who want to participate. Guess what's going to happen amongst scheduling nightmares? It's not going to happen.
So the winners are the politicians who tackled a 'tough subject' and passed some legislation and the school districts which can opt out in the primary areas of assessment and activity.
The biggest losers? The students - again!
Michael Cordier
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Truth and Nothing But the Truth
Finally someone spoke up and reported it: the state mandates for physical education is a farce in most cases. It lacks the teeth to be effective due to the rising number of mindless waivers and exemptions that students and parents can use not to partake in physical education.
The Associate Press reported on a study by the American Heart Association and National Association (AHA) for Sports and Physical Education (NASPE) that shows more states requiring physical education at elementary, middle, and high schools but few require students to exercise for a specific amount of time. AHA's Nancy Brown comments that "the movement has not been more significant and it is more of a sporadic approach".
Waivers and exemptions include participation in band, ROITC, one semester of organized sport, dress-out restrictions, and the list goes on. The end result is that students are denied proper teaching of healthy lifestyles. It is well documented that physical education counters obesity and long-term health problems in addition to better academic performance.
84% of states require PE for elementary students, 76% for middle and junior high schools, and 90% in high schools. This is significantly higher than a few years a go. Interesting to note that only five states require PE consistently from K - 12.
Both the AHA and NASPE recommend 150 minutes a week of instructed physical education for elementary students and 225 minutes a week for middle and high school students. The issue remains to get students in the PE class!
Michael Cordier
The Associate Press reported on a study by the American Heart Association and National Association (AHA) for Sports and Physical Education (NASPE) that shows more states requiring physical education at elementary, middle, and high schools but few require students to exercise for a specific amount of time. AHA's Nancy Brown comments that "the movement has not been more significant and it is more of a sporadic approach".
Waivers and exemptions include participation in band, ROITC, one semester of organized sport, dress-out restrictions, and the list goes on. The end result is that students are denied proper teaching of healthy lifestyles. It is well documented that physical education counters obesity and long-term health problems in addition to better academic performance.
84% of states require PE for elementary students, 76% for middle and junior high schools, and 90% in high schools. This is significantly higher than a few years a go. Interesting to note that only five states require PE consistently from K - 12.
Both the AHA and NASPE recommend 150 minutes a week of instructed physical education for elementary students and 225 minutes a week for middle and high school students. The issue remains to get students in the PE class!
Michael Cordier
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Physical Education Legislation - A Positive Step
The 'Fitness Integrated with Teaching Act' or FIT Kids Act has been approved by the US House on April 21, 2010 and is heading to the Senate for approval. However, this legislation has met some opposition and the fear is that it could get bogged down due to the measure's new reporting requirements.
The legislation would impose a new set of reporting requirements on virtually all school districts to make it easier for members of the public to learn what physical activities and education schools offer. The argument is that these reporting requirements would burden local schools already struggling to meet a vast array of federal mandates.
Like so many initiatives, this bill does not provide federal aid for districts to spend on PE but does call for an unspecified amount of funding for the National Research Council to examine and make recommendations on 'innovative and effective ways to increase physical activity'. As if we need yet another study to confirm findings of hundreds of other studies over the past 10 years.
Boo-hoo to both groups for opposing accountability to finally make PE part of a level playing field (pardon the pun) and legislators for proposing a toothless initiative where the money is not where the mouth is. It sounds like a lot of 'feel-good' language to counter a growing concern about childhood obesity in the USA.
The upside is that physical education is on the front burner of legislators and critical issues are being addressed to imform parents and the public on:
- The amount of time students are required to spend in PE by grade level compared to national recommendations;
- Whether schools follow an age-appropriate PE curriculum;
- How schools promote 'healthy lifestyles' including school programs and policies on nutrition and physical activity as it relates to Title I recipients.
Data collection costs money and so does good programs. Perhaps research appropriation should go to data collection which will identify good practices and thus provide direction on proper spending or equipment and curriculum.
Michael Cordier
The legislation would impose a new set of reporting requirements on virtually all school districts to make it easier for members of the public to learn what physical activities and education schools offer. The argument is that these reporting requirements would burden local schools already struggling to meet a vast array of federal mandates.
Like so many initiatives, this bill does not provide federal aid for districts to spend on PE but does call for an unspecified amount of funding for the National Research Council to examine and make recommendations on 'innovative and effective ways to increase physical activity'. As if we need yet another study to confirm findings of hundreds of other studies over the past 10 years.
Boo-hoo to both groups for opposing accountability to finally make PE part of a level playing field (pardon the pun) and legislators for proposing a toothless initiative where the money is not where the mouth is. It sounds like a lot of 'feel-good' language to counter a growing concern about childhood obesity in the USA.
The upside is that physical education is on the front burner of legislators and critical issues are being addressed to imform parents and the public on:
- The amount of time students are required to spend in PE by grade level compared to national recommendations;
- Whether schools follow an age-appropriate PE curriculum;
- How schools promote 'healthy lifestyles' including school programs and policies on nutrition and physical activity as it relates to Title I recipients.
Data collection costs money and so does good programs. Perhaps research appropriation should go to data collection which will identify good practices and thus provide direction on proper spending or equipment and curriculum.
Michael Cordier
Monday, May 10, 2010
Washington DC Takes the Lead
Washington DC is not a principality but the smallest state in the nation. It could be the most important piece of real estate in the USA, serving as the capital and power bastion. Washington District of Columbia does not house many folks due to cost and size, but saw development of many housing projects during the previous century which today accommodate 71,000 school students. Sadly, it boasts one of the highest obesity rates in the country. 43% of students enrolled in the school district is overweight or obese.
Finally the 13-member DC Council proposed legislation to increase physical education and clamp down on fast foods served in the schools. There is a political angle to this change of heart: Michell Obama's initiative on healthier foods in schools is sited as inspiration.
The Washing Post reports that, "The bill would ban trans fats and limit sodium and saturated fats. City public and charter schools would have to meet the federal "gold standard" for lunches, which requires that a different fruit and vegetable be served every day and that only low-fat or non-fat milk and whole grains be offered.The estimated cost is $23 million over four years. The measure would establish mandatory guidelines on caloric intake at breakfast and lunch, effectively forcing smaller and healthier portions. In elementary schools, breakfasts would have a required range of 350 to 550 calories, and lunches would have a range of 450 to 600 calories. In high schools, the required range would be 450 to 600 calories for breakfast and 750 to 850 calories for lunch".
The bill also put much greater emphasis on physical education in city schools. Elementary students, for instance, receive an average of 45 minutes of physical education a week. The bill would increase the requirement to 150 minutes starting in 2014. In middle school, where students now have physical education for one trimester, they would attend gym class throughout the school year for at least 225 minutes a week.
This is not a lot of money given the size and impact of a very good program but is still unfunded in a struggling economy. Proposals are on the table to levy a tax on soda sales in the state - which has soda distributors and manufacturers up in arms! If approved, it is a giant leap in the right direction!
Michael Cordier
Finally the 13-member DC Council proposed legislation to increase physical education and clamp down on fast foods served in the schools. There is a political angle to this change of heart: Michell Obama's initiative on healthier foods in schools is sited as inspiration.
The Washing Post reports that, "The bill would ban trans fats and limit sodium and saturated fats. City public and charter schools would have to meet the federal "gold standard" for lunches, which requires that a different fruit and vegetable be served every day and that only low-fat or non-fat milk and whole grains be offered.The estimated cost is $23 million over four years. The measure would establish mandatory guidelines on caloric intake at breakfast and lunch, effectively forcing smaller and healthier portions. In elementary schools, breakfasts would have a required range of 350 to 550 calories, and lunches would have a range of 450 to 600 calories. In high schools, the required range would be 450 to 600 calories for breakfast and 750 to 850 calories for lunch".
The bill also put much greater emphasis on physical education in city schools. Elementary students, for instance, receive an average of 45 minutes of physical education a week. The bill would increase the requirement to 150 minutes starting in 2014. In middle school, where students now have physical education for one trimester, they would attend gym class throughout the school year for at least 225 minutes a week.
This is not a lot of money given the size and impact of a very good program but is still unfunded in a struggling economy. Proposals are on the table to levy a tax on soda sales in the state - which has soda distributors and manufacturers up in arms! If approved, it is a giant leap in the right direction!
Michael Cordier
Friday, May 7, 2010
Play, Play, Play
Here is a story that 'warms the cockles'. The Arizona Daily Start reports on a preschool program that was started in 1948, is owned and managed by parents, and became fully integrated three years before it became state law in 1954. The Tuscon Community School hosts about 80 children from ages 3 to 6. All learning takes place through PLAY. It was the mission back in 1948 and it is still the mission.
"Children should be able to try things out. Play is how you learn things," says school Director Mary Sue Houser, a proud alum of the school herself back in the late 1960s. Parents can't just simply 'drop off' their kids and drive into the sunrise every morning. It is expected that each parent puts in 12 to 18 days a year on site! "Involved" is the operative word in this unique school.
Activities are split between inside and outside, with inside learning also revolving around play. There are pianos to bang on and art projects to tackle - but NO coloring between the lines. Annual fees range from around $1,500 to $3,300, depending on age and number of days attended. Scholarships are available, and the school holds regular fundraisers.
Reporter Bonnie Henry comments that, yes, kids will still be kids. When they get too rambunctious, they're given 'good work to do'. "We give them hammer and nails and something to work on", says the principal.
Now that sounds like kids being kids.
Michael Cordier
"Children should be able to try things out. Play is how you learn things," says school Director Mary Sue Houser, a proud alum of the school herself back in the late 1960s. Parents can't just simply 'drop off' their kids and drive into the sunrise every morning. It is expected that each parent puts in 12 to 18 days a year on site! "Involved" is the operative word in this unique school.
Activities are split between inside and outside, with inside learning also revolving around play. There are pianos to bang on and art projects to tackle - but NO coloring between the lines. Annual fees range from around $1,500 to $3,300, depending on age and number of days attended. Scholarships are available, and the school holds regular fundraisers.
Reporter Bonnie Henry comments that, yes, kids will still be kids. When they get too rambunctious, they're given 'good work to do'. "We give them hammer and nails and something to work on", says the principal.
Now that sounds like kids being kids.
Michael Cordier
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Fitness and Learning
Imagine a school setting where equal goals are assigned to reading, math, and physical activity? Leveling the playing field through equal priority given to academia and movement.
It is exactly what is going on in in Oklahoma at Steed Elementary School. Coordinated amongst all grade teachers students are called to master 26 math skills, learn 26 reading skills, read 26 books and RUN 26.2 miles! Yes, a full marathon - even if it is over time.
Teacher Christine Paradise says," the goal is to get the kids involved in more physical activities and running is a natural fit as they do it anyway."
The program's success is in students running and learning gradually. They keep journals on their progress and a teacher or parent verifies that each task is completed. Needless to say, students can run any time. The program is now implemented from pre-kindergarten through fifth grades. The finale will be for students to run the final 1.2 miles of their 'marathon' at a Kids Marathon in Oklahoma City.
Goals are pretty tough. One math assignment would be the mastering of the multiplication table. In reading it could mean the ability to understand inferences or main ideas. Ultimately the idea is to encourage students to keep going and persevere - A rare commodity now a-days.
The cool part is that several teachers have joined the program as well, setting 26 personal goals in addition to running a 'marathon'. Breaking it up in parts makes it easy and enhance the chances of success. Such programs teach life skills in addition to personal development, self-discipline, and intrinsic motivation. No fault can be found with this formula.
Michael Cordier
It is exactly what is going on in in Oklahoma at Steed Elementary School. Coordinated amongst all grade teachers students are called to master 26 math skills, learn 26 reading skills, read 26 books and RUN 26.2 miles! Yes, a full marathon - even if it is over time.
Teacher Christine Paradise says," the goal is to get the kids involved in more physical activities and running is a natural fit as they do it anyway."
The program's success is in students running and learning gradually. They keep journals on their progress and a teacher or parent verifies that each task is completed. Needless to say, students can run any time. The program is now implemented from pre-kindergarten through fifth grades. The finale will be for students to run the final 1.2 miles of their 'marathon' at a Kids Marathon in Oklahoma City.
Goals are pretty tough. One math assignment would be the mastering of the multiplication table. In reading it could mean the ability to understand inferences or main ideas. Ultimately the idea is to encourage students to keep going and persevere - A rare commodity now a-days.
The cool part is that several teachers have joined the program as well, setting 26 personal goals in addition to running a 'marathon'. Breaking it up in parts makes it easy and enhance the chances of success. Such programs teach life skills in addition to personal development, self-discipline, and intrinsic motivation. No fault can be found with this formula.
Michael Cordier
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Fatter than we thought!
US researchers declared that obesity among American children is much worse than previously believed, putting them at greater risk of serious health problems as they age. Begging the question where those researchers were hiding during the past 5 to 7 years?
The Journal of Pediatrics quoted a study of 700,000 student in southern California alone that found 45,000 students to be extremely obese (sounds like a new category) with boys leading the charge. Co-authored by Dr. Amy Porter of Kaiser Permanente, says that the study showed extreme obesity rising in almost every group (multi-ethnic study by age, race, and gender). This translates to 7% of boys and 5% of girls being extremely obese and 2% of all children under 5 years old. Previous research from federal health surveys suggested 3.8% of children were extremely obese.
The researchers pointed out that without major lifestyle changes, these kids face 10 to 20 years shorter life spans and will develop health problems in their 20's that we typically see in 40-to-60-year-olds. Scary thought!
And the bottom line? Two-thirds of all adults in the USA are overweight or obese. One third of all children in the USA is obese. The increasing risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses adds about $150 billion a year to US health care costs.
There is not single solution but a combination of more physical activity during the day, healthier nutrition, and participation in organized sports will be a good start.
Michael Cordier
The Journal of Pediatrics quoted a study of 700,000 student in southern California alone that found 45,000 students to be extremely obese (sounds like a new category) with boys leading the charge. Co-authored by Dr. Amy Porter of Kaiser Permanente, says that the study showed extreme obesity rising in almost every group (multi-ethnic study by age, race, and gender). This translates to 7% of boys and 5% of girls being extremely obese and 2% of all children under 5 years old. Previous research from federal health surveys suggested 3.8% of children were extremely obese.
The researchers pointed out that without major lifestyle changes, these kids face 10 to 20 years shorter life spans and will develop health problems in their 20's that we typically see in 40-to-60-year-olds. Scary thought!
And the bottom line? Two-thirds of all adults in the USA are overweight or obese. One third of all children in the USA is obese. The increasing risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses adds about $150 billion a year to US health care costs.
There is not single solution but a combination of more physical activity during the day, healthier nutrition, and participation in organized sports will be a good start.
Michael Cordier
Friday, April 9, 2010
Victory in Small Increments in Texas
Earlier this year the Texas Department of Education lowered the physical education requirements for elementary and middle schools as well as those applicable for graduation. A slew of substitutes to fulfill the PE requirement were also approved. Those included ROTC, cheerleading, or a sememster of organized sports.
The message sent by the Department did say much about their feelings and priority towards physical education. It also send a message to professionals who dedicated at least for years to formal education to become certified physical education teachers. A ground swell of advocacy took place in many districts and local school boards listened.
On March 25, 2010 the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees approved an amendment to Board Policy EIF (Local) Academic Achievement, keeping the local high school graduation requirement for Physical Education at 1.5 credits and the high school Health Education requirement at .5. So, although the state has reduced the requirement from 1.5 to 1.0 for Physical Education and from .5 to .0 for Health Education, the Dallas Independent School District will keep these requirements for our students entering the ninth grade during the 2010-11 school year and thereafter.
It is an a victory for passionate teachers and highlights the importance of physical activity and good nutrition. Let all of us continue the good fight.
Michael Cordier
The message sent by the Department did say much about their feelings and priority towards physical education. It also send a message to professionals who dedicated at least for years to formal education to become certified physical education teachers. A ground swell of advocacy took place in many districts and local school boards listened.
On March 25, 2010 the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees approved an amendment to Board Policy EIF (Local) Academic Achievement, keeping the local high school graduation requirement for Physical Education at 1.5 credits and the high school Health Education requirement at .5. So, although the state has reduced the requirement from 1.5 to 1.0 for Physical Education and from .5 to .0 for Health Education, the Dallas Independent School District will keep these requirements for our students entering the ninth grade during the 2010-11 school year and thereafter.
It is an a victory for passionate teachers and highlights the importance of physical activity and good nutrition. Let all of us continue the good fight.
Michael Cordier
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)